Governor Gretchen Whitmer expanded the state of emergency on April 20 to include Iron and Marquette counties following severe flooding caused by significant snowmelt from a historic March snowstorm. The declaration comes as both counties face high water levels that have rendered roads impassable and complicated recovery efforts.
The expansion aims to support local communities in their response to ongoing hazardous weather conditions. Flooding, rapid snowmelt, straight-line winds, and tornadoes have led to widespread property damage, elevated river levels, and dangerous road conditions throughout Michigan. “Today, I’m adding two additional counties to recent emergency declarations. This will help Marquette and Iron counties with ongoing recovery efforts,” said Governor Whitmer. “As water levels across Michigan stabilize and drop, my administration will continue to work with local communities to get them what they need. I want to thank every first responder who stepped up to protect Michiganders and their property. Let’s keep working together to recover and repair the damage.”
Rescue operations have been hindered by impassable roads in several regions while rising rivers continue threatening dams statewide. First responders remain active around the clock addressing these emergencies across Michigan.
Earlier this month, Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) for Cheboygan County due to concerns about overtopping at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex—a declaration that remains in effect—and subsequently expanded coverage as weather-related events intensified statewide.
By declaring a state of emergency for affected areas—including earlier expansions covering multiple other counties—the governor has authorized all available state resources for local response efforts. Eligible communities may seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act for costs related to emergency response or infrastructure repairs.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is coordinating statewide response through SEOC operations based in Lansing according to the official website here. The Joint Information Center has also been activated as an information source for agencies involved in the effort.
Whitmer’s office provides constituent services such as assistance with state agencies according to its official website. She leads the executive branch overseeing state policies as reported by her office from Lansing since taking office in January 2019 according to official records. Under her leadership, bipartisan budgets have included investments in infrastructure, education, and health care as noted on her website.
For further updates or information about statewide storm responses visit michigan.gov/aprilstorms.
